Identify Problems, Planning Objectives and Constraints

Problem Identification Successful plans address real problems Problem identification directs future activities and the allocation of resources

Common Understanding of the Problem Requires: Common Vocabulary

Agreement on Appropriate Levels of Detail Common Understanding of the Problem Requires: Agreement on Appropriate Levels of Detail

Willingness to Learn About the Issues Common Understanding of the Problem Requires: Willingness to Learn About the Issues

The Process of Problem Identification

To Begin Solicit input Identify problems that currently exist, have been experienced in the past and are expected to recur, or could occur in the future Identify the conditions under which these problems occur Prioritize the problems identified

Importance of Goals and Planning Objectives Goals are general concepts Economic efficiency Environmental quality Fairness Health Happiness Objectives are operational definitions of goals

Definition of Planning Objectives A planning objective is a concise, formally structured statement which outlines What a plan should accomplish Where a plans influence should be felt When a plan should be initiated WHAT WHERE WHEN ?

Purpose of Planning Objectives Planning objectives are developed to Focus efforts on problems of greatest concern Ensure that multiple goals are explicitly considered throughout the process Provide a common vision Allow evaluation of a plan

Importance of Planning Objectives Without good planning objectives Planning loses focus Important interests ignored Important problems not addressed Effective alternatives not formulated Plans cannot be evaluated Implementation becomes impossible

Comments on Past Experience With Planning Objectives Experience suggests Poor planning objectives are difficult to overcome Reframing planning objectives late in a study results in lost time and higher costs The importance of planning objectives is not fully appreciated Planners (as well as engineers) do not embrace innovative approaches to meet planning objectives

Strategic Versus Tactical Planning Tactical plans Contain effective responses that mitigate the adverse impacts of short term problems such as drought Can be implemented quickly

Strategic Versus Tactical Planning Strategic Plans Contain long term responses related to resource availability, system management strategies, or legal frameworks Requires time to implement

Elements of Well Defined Plans Both tactical and strategic plans must include Clearly stated policy objectives Forecasts of future conditions Evaluation criteria Multiple alternatives Comprehensive description of a preferred strategy

Strategic and Tactical Plans Are Interrelated Both contribute to system sustainability

Formulation of Planning Objectives 1. Identify problems of greatest concern 2. Translate problems into achievable objectives 3. Identify where this objective is to be met 4. Identify under what conditions the objective is to be met Objectives should be stated in a positive sense!

Examples of Poorly Defined Planning Objectives Develop a drought contingency plan Build a pumping station at the X reservoir Evaluate instream flow requirements at the Y River basin Avoid adverse effects to fish and wildlife during 50 year droughts Enhance hydropower production

Examples of Well Defined Planning Objectives Enhance the long term reliability of municipal water supply in the Y River basin Ensure adequate instream habitat protection in the Y River basin during drought Enhance fish and wildlife protection in the Z River basin during drought Enhance annual hydropower production in the X River basin for the next 30 years Maintain navigation on the X River during drought

Identification of Constraints

Definition of Constraints Constraints are limits to the range of planned responses Three types of constraints exist Natural - bound by the laws of nature External - enforced by outside agents Perceived - assumed to be undesirable, prohibited or impossible

Role of Constraints in the Planning Process Constraints are used in the planning process as Situations that define the status quo Screening criteria for alternatives Guidelines for project evaluation

When Should Constraints be Challenged? Constraints should be challenged if they Obstruct planning objectives Significantly reduce alternative effectiveness Address external agents that no longer exist Are unfounded x

Summary Problems should be identified and prioritized so that planning objectives can be properly formulated. Planning objectives focus planning efforts and provide a framework for evaluating alternative solutions and formulating effective strategies. Tactical and strategic plans, although inter-related, address different time scales and responses. Planning objectives are essential elements of any tactical or strategic plan. The impact of constraints, real or perceived

Exercise